Manchester Police Chief Ready To Retire

Veteran To Leave Next Year

MANCHESTER — Police Chief Henry R. Minor, a 30-year veteran of the police force, has announced that he plans to retire next year.

Minor, who will be 55 when he retires, will step down on Jan. 30, 1998.

``I've spent 30 years here and I'd do it all over again with no qualms,'' Minor said Tuesday.

Minor joined the force as a patrol officer in 1966, and has held every department rank. He became chief in 1992 and currently oversees

about 145 officers and other police personnel. Tuesday, Minor said he wanted to retire at age 55 and the time was right.

Town and police officials praised Minor Tuesday for three decades of service to the town.

``Your dedicated service to this community, for over 30 years, has enhanced the quality of lives of Manchester's residents and has brought honor to yourself, your family and to the community,'' General Manager Richard Sartor wrote in accepting Minor's resignation.

Public Information Officer Gary Wood, who joined the force with Minor on Sept. 4, 1966, credited the chief for always carrying out his objectives.

``He can get it done,'' Wood said. ``You just always know that he knows what he's talking about. He always does his homework.''

When Minor became chief in 1992, he set three goals, all of which have been achieved: Under his guidance, the police force has grown by about 20 officers; the department has seen and will continue to receive computer system upgrades; and police have a new headquarters.

Minor's third goal came to fruition this fall with the opening of a new, $7.5 million state-of-the-art headquarters next to the old station on East Middle Turnpike. But Minor would like his legacy to be more than just ``bricks and mortar.''

``I'd like to think that I helped forge a better relationship between the department and the community,'' Minor said. ``That relationship is why we exist.''

The creation and implementation of neighborhood block watches and other community participation programs helped in strengthening the bond between the police department and the community, he said.